Cries and Whiskers

by Clea Simon

Book Overview

When an animal rights activist is killed by a hit-and-run driver on an icy Cambridge street, music critic Theda Krakow can't get too upset. Besides, Theda is busy investigating the rise of a dangerous new designer drug that threatens the musicians and fans who make up the popular club scene. But when Theda learns that the accident victim was defying her own radical group to rescue feral cats on the eve of a ferocious winter storm, she puts her own...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590584643
• ISBN13: 9781590584644
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 251 Pages
• Weight: 0.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

A great mix of murder, music and a missing cat

This third book in the Theda Krakow series is the most intense one yet. While Theda is investigating a new designer drug that is threatening musicians, fans and her friends in the growing Boston area music scene, an animal activist is killed by a hit-and-run driver while rescuing feral cats. As Theda and her friend Violet try to rescue the semi-wild cats from being outside in a freezing New England winter, it becomes apparent that the activist's death was more than just an accident. As Theda begins to investigate, her boyfriend, a homicide detective, is recuperating from a broken leg and not at all thrilled with Theda's involvement in these investigations. On top of that, she begins to suspect one of her friends, and finds her loyalties tested on all fronts. When her beloved cat Musetta goes missing, Theda risks everything to get her back and to solve the case. Once again, Simon manages to combine a great mystery with wonderful, multi-dimensional characters. By now, we feel like we know Theda, and yet, we're always surprised by the twists and turns of both the plot and Theda's life.

Simon does it AGAIN!

"Cries and Whiskers (Theda Mysteries, No.3)" tells another exciting story! The characters continue to develop and grow in this series, and the situations seem realistic. I do hope Clea Simon is writing No. 4 in this excellent, CATastic, series!

Drugs, Murder, and Cats

Theda Krakow is a freelance journalist that covers the music scene in the Cambridge-Boston area. A new designer drug has become popular and is endangering both musicians and patrons. While Theda is making inquiries about the drug, a local animal-rights activist is killed in a hit and run. The cops believe it wasn't an accident. The autopsy reveals dangerous toxic levels of strychnine in her blood. Theda's friend, who is pregnant, appears to have been drugged at the club they frequent. Bill, Theda's boyfriend and a homicide detective, is recuperating from a broken leg. Musetta, Theda's cat, starts showing signs of resenting the time Theda is spending with Bill. Theda helps her friend Violet investigate when they discover that the animal rights activist was rescuing feral cats during a winter storm. As Theda gets more involved, she finds out there is a lot of tension within the animal-rights group. Plus she is learning more about where the dangerous drug is from. She may have the biggest story of her career. But can she get that story without it being her last? Theda is such a great character. I really enjoy the music scene she is involved in as well as the fact that she is such a cat lover. It goes well together. Bill is great as well. He tries to keep Theda from getting herself in trouble, but that doesn't always work. I have read the whole series and have enjoyed each and every book. I highly recommend this book and that you read the complete series. Can't wait for the next one.

Not Just a Columnist

Clea Simon's CRIES AND WHISKERS may be her best yet. Theda Krakow is really an investigative reporter and a darn good one, in spite of her editor's dismissing her as "just a columnist." In CRIES AND WHISKERS, she follows a trail of crime that involves feral cats, animal rights activists, club drugs, a mysteriously hyped new band, and real estate development issues to tie it all together at the end, but not without some danger to herself and (horrors!) the beautiful and talented Musetta. I know Ms. Simon is working on a new book and I will be looking forward to it.

The best Theda yet

Clea Simon's sharp, edgy heroine Theda Krakow is back in a well-plotted tale with a colorful support cast. While the mystery tales some surprising turns, Theda herself is a delight; with her survivor's instinct and knack for being in the right place at the wrong time. Her freelance life, her love for a great rock band, some borderline-scary animal activists, high-tech types, and a touch of romance all figure into a story that keeps you hooked. Ahd yes, felines are integral to the plot as well, but this is no typical "cat mystery": The four-legged creatures are always a welcome presence but never overwhelming-- just as they should be in any household.